Mental Health Awareness Week has been taking place from May 11. ‘Action’ is this year’s theme because, whilst awareness is vital, real change comes when we take action too.
Social prescribing can be really powerful for mental health because it focuses on the person, not just the problem. It takes a proactive approach to helping people build confidence, reduce isolation, reconnect with their community, and find support that genuinely fits their interests and needs.
Whether that’s joining a group, volunteering, getting active, or simply having someone to talk things through with, social prescribing helps people feel more connected, more understood, and more in control of their wellbeing.
Alex Simpson, the Trust’s youth wellbeing service lead, commented on his experience in helping young people with their mental health, explaining: “Working in young people’s social prescribing has been an extremely rewarding experience.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to help countless young people navigate difficult times and come through the other side feeling more confident, connected, and having a sense of purpose and direction.
“For me, it highlights the importance of a flexible, community-based model, because without having the time and space necessary to fully understand and build a connection with people, we cannot offer truly person-centred support.”
